Foreign and Military Affairs

Official meets EU, Belgian officials on closer ties

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-07-05 10:55

BRUSSELS -?Senior Chinese legislator Zhou Tienong called for greater efforts to enhance ties between China and the European Union and Belgium when meeting EU and Belgian officials here on Monday.

China-EU relations are one of the most influential bilateral ties in the present-day world and are of a growing global strategic significance, said Zhou, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, during talks with Maros Sefcovic, vice president of the European Commission.

"Building a closer, comprehensive and strategic partnership between China and the EU will not only benefit their peoples, but also be conducive to peace and development of the world," said Zhou.

Sefcovic said both the EU and China have been playing an increasingly big role in the world and both sides have been cooperating on a wide range of issues.

He said that the EU is willing to work with China and advance the EU-China comprehensive and strategic partnership to a new high.

When meeting with Andre Flahaut, president of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, Zhou said China-Belgium relations have been developing smoothly since both sides forged diplomatic ties four decades ago.

Zhou vowed that China is willing, on the basis of mutual trust, equality and reciprocity, to make concerted efforts with Belgium to push their ties to a new stage.

As an important member of the world community, China is playing an increasingly vital role in world affairs, said Flahout, adding that Belgium values its relations with China and stands ready to further bilateral ties in all fields.